Create/Edit Image

Assignment:  Students will use image editing software to create visually appealing images (using copyright friendly images) meant for use in recruitment posters. Posters will also need to contain very brief and concise information about the instrument meant to make viewers interested in playing or at least learning more about the instrument.

Uses in the classroom: Though a part of the music curriculum, this project may be done in conjunction with either building art or technology teachers and may fulfill benchmarks in multiple discipline areas.

Students will need to select the most engaging information about their instrument and, using their copyright friendly image, design a poster that catches the viewers eye but also quickly communicates a message and invites further learning. Pictures used in the recruitment poster should somehow be edited to demonstrate understanding of image altering techniques. Examples of some techniques (B&W, adding text, replace colors, image cropping, and adjust brightness/contrast) can be found below.

By incorporating cross-curricular activities, students can experience the relationships between disciplines in ways they may not typically encounter.

Posters can be displayed in elementary buildings where younger students can see them to help inspire curiosity about the band program.

Issues to consider: Students will need access to image editing software (e.g. Photoshop) and, possibly, a digital camera. This assignment, if done with a high school performance ensemble, will also need to be done at a time of year when rehearsal time can be spared without worry of impacting an upcoming performance (after a year-end spring concert or after a holiday concert may be adequate).

All images will need to be copyright friendly. It is encouraged that students simply create their own images.

A constant supporter of music education, Hobbit the Wonder-Corgi jumps for joy whenever students can incorporate the arts into their lives!

Copyright:

Above french horn image has been altered from the original using Adobe Photoshop and Pixlr Express. Original French horn image "Paris" created by Axel Buhrmann and shared under Creative Common Attribution License 2.0.

Above corgi created by loving corgi parents in the fall of 2007. Images, however, created by her doting owner.

Infographics/How to Practice

Assignment: Beginning band members should use the included infographic while practicing at home to make sure you are practicing thoroughly. Parents can also use this guide when helping their child at home.

Uses in the classroom: Beginning band students not only need to be taught how to play their instrument, but also how to practice it at home. The included infographic is meant to be a help guide to young students as they begin practicing at home. Students should first identify what their area of focus will be then follow the steps in that category. As they are playing, students must evaluate their performance and review any needed areas.

As an in-class exercise, students can also partner up with someone else where one will role-play as the teacher giving a lesson and the other as the student. The "teacher" will be required to demonstrate proper playing and use the infographic to help solve problems.

Issues to consider: Students will need access to their instrument and music in addition to a quiet place to have focused practice. While parents are often able to help with math or reading at home, many are unsure how to help with music. The included infographic is meant to not only help students but also provide a road map to new music parents so they know what their child should be doing.

It is also critical to remember that not all students will achieve at the same rate. Failure to perform up to a certain level does not necessarily mean improvement has not been made. The teacher should focus on consistent improvement rather than simple performance quality.
 
easel.ly

Copyright: 

The above infographic made my the author using Easelly.

Instructional Video on Mouthpiece Buzzing

Assignment: Review the basics of buzzing the mouthpiece as part of a regular warm-up routine.

Uses in the classroom: Mouthpiece buzzing should be a regular part of every brass players daily routine and should be done in some capacity every day in the classroom. However, younger students may need guidance in exactly how to properly buzz and older students may need a refresher as they can easily neglect this skill as it seems so basic.

After watching the video in class, students should be able to identify key points and paraphrase instructions. With practice (and possible regular review of the included video at home), students should also be able to distinguish both good and bad buzz sounds.

The true value in this instructional video is in students being able to review at home while practicing proper buzzing technique.

Issues to consider: Students will need reliable access to the internet at home in order to review the material. It is also recommended that, if possible, students record their own practice sessions and listen to them as listening to recorded practice sessions offer the ability to listen critically multiple times and construct adequate practice strategies.

 

Copyright:

Canzon Septimi Toni No. 1 by Gabrieli, performed by Tower Brass of Chicago shared under Creative Commons license and accessed from:

https://archive.org/details/TowerBrassofChicago

Trumpet image taken by John Kovacich shared via public domain and accessed from:

http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=68900&picture=trumpet

All other images/sounds created by the author.

Digital Storytelling/Good Practice Habits

Assignment: Good practice habits/scales learned with assistance from digital story.

Uses in the classroom: Using strategies learned in class, students will demonstrate understanding of how to practice and mastery of appropriate scales by performing for the teacher. All scales should be memorized and performed at an appropriate, consistent tempo. It will be the students responsibility to schedule practice time as appropriate to fit their needs.  The video included below illustrates both how a student should and should not approach their preparation.

The use of digital storytelling is meant to underscore in a fun but observable way the benefits of thought-out practice habits and perils of procrastination.

Issues to consider: Students will need to consider all possible scales when selecting which ones will be most appropriate for them. Students should also be realistic early in the process about things they may need assistance with and request tutoring as needed.

Students will also need to take a realistic look at their personal schedules and make appropriate time to practice. Students who give themselves a longer period of time to absorb, memorize, and master the content will most certainly perform at a higher level than those who put off learning to the last minute (see video for example).


Copyright:

Morning Mood from Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg - public domain, accessed from:

Grieg: Peer Gynt: Act III Prelude (Morning Mood) (Masur) : DWTKenInNY : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2014, from https://archive.org/details/GriegPeerGyntActIiiPreludemorningMoodmasur

Flight of the Bumblebee by P.I. Tchaikovsky - public domain, accessed from:

Flight of the Bumblebee : The US Army Band : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2014, from https://archive.org/details/FlightOfTheBumblebee

Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35, III. Lento Funeral March by Chopin - public domain, accessed from:

Frederic Chopin - Piano Sonata No. 2, Op. 35, III. Lento Funeral March (From The Fighting Temptations) : Free Download & Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Retrieved October 30, 2014, from https://archive.org/details/FredericChopinPianoSonataNo.2Op.35III.LentoFuneralMarchFromTheFightingTemptations

Sunset Over Town photograph by Kratochvil - public domain, accessed from: 

Kratochvil, P. (n.d.). Sunset Over Town. Retrieved November 1, 2014, from http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=6252&picture=sunset-over-town

All other pictures and sound files created by the author.